EU backs US deal on passenger data

THE EU has approved an anti-terrorism deal with Washington for sharing passenger data on flights to the US, rejecting warnings about potential violations of privacy rights.

Some 34 different pieces of information on passengers flying to the US will be given to authorities, who may give them to third countries following the agreement yesterday.

Foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels, approved the deal hours after it was adopted by the executive European Commission, which brushed aside objections from the European Parliament.